FORMAT • About 5 pages, double-spaced (paper); OR 5 minutes (video). Don’t go un

FORMAT
• About 5 pages, double-spaced (paper); OR 5 minutes (video). Don’t go under 3, or over 7.
• Tone can be conversational, but appropriate. (You can use the word ‘I,’ and can discuss
your personal opinion/observations; but it should still be grammatically correct, etc.)
• Paper: Essay format, with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Video: You can choose how to structure the video, as long as you include the required
content and refer to 3 sources. The video must include a visual component, such as a
role-play/demonstration of your technique or a poster representing it, in addition to you
being on video.(Feel free to get creative with the visual component!)
o If you make a video, the visual aspect is an important part of your grade. If you use Powerpoint
slides, the slides should contain an interesting visual that you refer to directly- NOT just the
words you’re saying out loud. Text on the slides (if any) should be minimal- no paragraphs.
o If you choose the video option, it is your responsibility to make sure it’s in a format that you
can send / I can view (e.g., link to a Youtube video.)
• Cite at least 3 sources: two articles from peer-reviewed journals, and at least one
additional source (textbook / newspaper / magazine / reputable website / TED talk / etc.)
• Cite your sources in APA format (internally, and at the end of the paper under References.)
For video: submit your Reference page (and visual material,if possible) with your link.
CONTENT
• ‘Applied’ refers to the use of the research and theories developed in a field to real-life situations.
In cognitive development, two main areas of application are education and clinical.
• Your topic should relate directly to some aspect of the cognitive development of infants,
children, or teens. In your research, find a specific technique/intervention/etc. that has been
developed relating to that concept. (Your topic should not be ‘scaffolding,’ but could be a
specific scaffolding technique used to teach math.) Describe the application you chose, and at
least one study (from your peer-reviewed sources; more is better) that supports its effectiveness.
o Examples include (but are not limited to): teaching methods based on Piaget OR
Vygotksy’s theory; interventions for supporting speech / language development;
alternatives to standardized testing; how media for children (a TV show, computer
game, etc.) can be used in ways that benefit cognitive development; therapeutic
interventions for children with ADHD or another cognitive disorder; and many others.
o Choose a topic based on your interests! Search terms can include those related to the
cognitive ability you’re interested in (e.g., ‘theory of mind’; ‘executive control’); the
applied area (e.g. ‘teaching’ / ‘education’; ‘clinical’ / ‘intervention’ / ‘therapy’); and the age
range (e.g. ‘children,’ ‘adolescence.’) General search terms like ‘cognitive development’
and ‘application’ might also be helpful. See ‘Searching for articles’ document for more.
• Introduction: Give an overview of the cognitive ability that you’re focusing on, and introduce
the real-life application of this concept that you’ll be discussing. You can also include
personal details here (optional), relating to why you chose this topic.
• Body of essay / most of video: Describe the technique/intervention you researched in detail.
What kind of evidence is there for its effectiveness? You may also discuss some limitations,
challenges, or competing perspectives here.
• Conclusion: Bring the paper/video to a clear ending point. You shouldn’t be introducing any
new ideas in the conclusion; but rather wrapping up and emphasizing the main ‘take-away’
you’d like to leave the reader/viewer with.